PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear families of St Brigid's,

There is no better way to end the school year than to present a great number of hampers to St Vincent de Paul and a cheque donation for $1000 next Thursday. This demonstrates the generosity, spirit and energy of our students and their families in wanting to support those families in our local community who are in great need this Christmas. The fact that we will end the year in service to others makes a beautiful statement about our school vision, mission and values.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students for another great year – their energy and enthusiasm make a bold statement about who we are at St Brigid’s. The spirit of our students is strongly supported and enriched by our parents, and their active involvement in the life of the school.

To the wonderful St Brigid’s staff. I am inspired by each of you every day as you professionally undertake your call as educators, to ensure that the students of St Brigid’s experience a high quality education, through the lens of our Catholic faith and tradition.

I wish all our students and their families a very happy and holy Christmas and a relaxing holiday break. May the love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, surround you all the times of your life. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year.

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TEACHING STAFF FOR 2024

At the end of an educational year we often welcome new staff and say farewell to others who move on for many and varied reasons.

Mrs Karen Campbell, who has worked at St Brigid’s for ? years, has informed me that she will retire at the end of the year. We thank her most sincerely for the contributions she has made to the lives of the students at St Brigid’s and for lovingly managing our school library.

Thank you to Mrs Mandy Thorpe who filled the library position during the second half of the year while Mrs Campbell was on leave.

In addition, Mrs Rachael Hobbs will be returning to casual teaching in 2024. We thank her for the teaching our Year 3 students this year and we hope to see her back at St Brigid's from time to time.

Ms Bianca Aylett who has been working in Year 1 as a School Support Officer. We wish her every blessing as she continue to her Bachelor of Education degree.

New staff to St Brigid's in 2024

Mrs Nicole Checkley has been appointed as the substantive Religious Education Coordinator for 2024. She is an experienced classroom practitioner and leader, and we are delighted that Nicole is joining the St Brigid’s staff.

Mrs Jodie Weston was the successful applicant for the permanent Senior School Support Officer. Jodie comes with extensive finance and business experience.

Mr Nicholas Cervonaro has been successful in gaining a part-time temporary position for 2024. It is great to have Nicholas back as part of our teaching staff.

School Leadership Team 2024

Principal	Ms Kathy Uroda
Assistant Principal	Mrs Nichole Benoit
Religious Education Coordinator	Mrs Nicole Checkley
Middle Leader 1	Mrs Anna Arthur- Worsop
Senior School Support Officer	Mrs Jodie Weston

Classroom Teachers for 2024

Kindergarten	Mrs Cathy Cuff	Monday - Friday
Year 1	Mrs Claire Shrimpton	Monday - Friday
Year 2	Mrs Michelle Wilson Mrs Donna Arjona	Monday - Thursday (am) Monday - Thursday (pm) & Friday
Year 3	Mrs Nicole Checkley Mrs Nicole Carey Barr	Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday Wednesday - Thursday
Year 4	Mrs Anna Arthur- Worsop Mr Nicholas Cervonaro	Monday - Friday (am) Monday - Friday (pm)
Year 5	Mrs Julie Mewett	Monday - Friday
Year 6	Mrs Louise Richardson Mrs Therese Roche	Monday - Tuesday Wednesday - Friday

Diverse Learning Support Teachers for 2024

Diverse Learning Coordinator	Mrs Alysha Lavelle	Monday - Wednesday
Literacy Coach	Mrs Margy Panozzo	tbc
Numeracy Coach	Mrs Nichole Benoit	Monday - Thursday
MSL Tutor	Mrs Michelle Wilson	Monday - Thursday pm

Specialist Teachers for 2024

Instructional Coach	Mrs Anna Arthur-Worsop	Monday - Friday (pm)
REC Release Teacher	Mrs Nicole Carey Barr	Wednesday
Middle Leader	Mrs Anna Arthur- Worsop	Wednesday
PDHPE	Mrs Nicole Carey Barr	Tuesday
Creative Arts Teacher	Mrs Melissa Sommerville	Tuesday - Thursday
Large Class Support - Year 3	Mrs Nicole Carey-Barr	Tuesday - Thursday
Large Class Support - Kinder	Mrs Nichole Benoit	Monday - Wednesday
Indentured Casual	Mrs Kate Sparks	tbc

We are in a period of recruitment and finalising our support staff for 2024.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION & AWARD RECIPIENTS

Yesterday, we celebrated a very special graduation day with Year 6, their families, Fr Bernard, special guests and the school community. These wonderful students are almost at the end of their journey through primary school and their time with us at St Brigid’s. They have been outstanding students of St Brigid's and have showed great leadership this year.

As you continue your journey, moving on from us very soon, we pray and hope that the qualities of our school Mission will continue to underpin and guide all that you do and who you become… even if you are not always aware of that happening.

We thank you, your parents and families, for the privilege and joy of being part of your journey so far; of sharing our Mission of Faith, Justice and Learning with you. God bless each one of you.

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Leader of Faith Award

This award was sponsored by the Lumen Christi Parish. It was presented to a student who has demonstrated what it means to be authentically Catholic in the life of St Brigid’s Primary School and Parish. This student displays commitment to their faith and in their interactions with others, reflecting Catholic values. The recipient of the 2023 Leader of Faith Award was Matthew C

Leader of Justice Award

This award was sponsored by the Gwynneville St Vincent and Paul Conference. It was presented to a student who 'listens with the ear of the heart' to work for the common good by responding to those in need with loving generosity and right relationships. The recipient of the 2023 Leader of Justice Award was Eve A

Leader of Learning Award

This award was sponsored by Mr Paul Scully, NSW Parliament, Member for Wollongong and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. It was presented to a student who strives to work to the best of their ability across all Key Learning Areas. They demonstrate a love of learning, utilising the ‘good gifts’ given to them. The recipient of the 2023 Leader of Learning Award was Emerson E

Sportsmanship Award

This award was sponsored by the Federal Member for Cunningham, the Honourable Alison Byrnes. It was presented to a student who participates enthusiastically and fairly and shows respect for their teammates and opponents. This student is humble in victory and gracious in defeat. The recipient of the 2023 Sportsmanship award was Hugo S

St Brigid’s Award

This award was sponsored by the Catholic Women’s League. It was presented to a student who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to learning and loyalty to St Brigid’s School. They are someone who is a faithful and proud student of St Brigids. The recipient of the 2023 St Brigid award was Zachariah C.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Award

This award was sponsored by the staff of St Brigid’s. It is presented to a student who has demonstrated continuous effort and perseverance in learning. They are someone who is not deterred by obstacles but shows a determined spirit. The recipient of the inaugural St Mary of the Cross MacKillop award was Rio M.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

I would like to sincerely acknowledge the significant contribution that parents volunteers make to our school. There are many different opportunities for volunteering and each member plays an important part in enriching the quality of life for the St Brigid’s students, their families and the staff. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in helping make St Brigid’s the best faith and educational facility it can be.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Elizabeth Andrew

CHRISTMAS FUN DAY

End of Year Assembly, Carols and Family Lunch -14 December 2023

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Students wear Christmas mufti clothes and prepare for a festive day at school. Parents and family members are warmly invited to join us for our final school assembly of 2023 on Thursday 14 December from 11:30am. Below is an order of events for Thursday with approximate timings:

11:30am	Assembly begins in the school hall- leaving certificates, merit awards, special awards, class performances and sing-a-long Christmas carols
12:40pm	Traditional ringing of the bell by the Year 6 students
12:50pm	Family picnic in the main playground

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Students in Year 1 - Year 6 return to school on Wednesday 31 January 2024 in full summer uniform.

Sports uniform days in Term 1 will be Tuesday and Friday each week for all classes.